Since Christ has rescued us from the control of things visible and invisible, I am now able to know His will and continue growing in my walk.

Background:

Epaphras visits Paul in prison, bringing news of the Colossians’ progress in the faith. They had a limited understanding of the work of Christ and what genuine Christian living looked like.

Colossians needed to be fully assured about the will of God. (1:1, 1:9, 4:12)

Their Walk (because of His truth)

Note; “faithful brethren” (1:2) “Consistently living out the truth they do know.”

Paul prays for them because he has heard (1) of their faith in Christ and their (2) love for the saints. (From Epaphras as he lived with them—he shared the strength of their present walk.) Application: If you were a visitor of another church, what would you need to see for visible evidence of faith and love?

This love they are having is because of what they all share as the community of believers:

The same hope (inheritance in heaven) which they all heard and received from the Word of Truth—the gospel (5)

This gospel is bearing fruit and continues to grow throughout your area (Asia Minor), just as it has in you, when you heard it and understood the grace of God in (the word of [5]) truth. (6)

Who was responsible for sharing the gospel? (7) You learned (gospel) from Epaphras (our beloved bondservant [worked with Timothy and I], who is a faithful servant on our behalf (in our place).

Who also made clear to us, your love in (union) with the Spirit. (What would you need to see for visible evidence of faith and love?)

For this reason [EPAPHRAS A Christian from Colossae and co-worker of Paul whose evangelistic work helped start the church in Colossae. In his letter to the believers in Colossae, Paul states that Epaphras was responsible for teaching the gospel to the Colossian believers (Col 1:7). Epaphras also seems to have played a continuing role in the growth of the Colossian church. Paul describes him as a “faithful minister of Christ” on behalf of the Colossians who brought news of their faith to Paul while he was in prison (Col 1:7–8; Phlm 1:23). Paul’s reference to Epaphras’ labor among the believers in Laodicea and in Hierapolis suggests that Epaphras either founded or played a key role in establishing other churches in the region (Col 4:13).]

We have not ceased praying for you and asking that might be filled with an accurate knowledge of His Will, through ( [NIV]by means of) all spiritual wisdom and understanding (of His Will). [Why?] (9)

in order that you may walk worthy of the Lord, (pleasing Him in all things.) (What does this walk look like?) (1)Bearing fruit in every good work and (2)growing in the knowledge of God. (10)

(3) (11) Being made capable (passive) by all power according to His glorious strength for the purpose of having all endurance and patience,

(4) (12) Giving thanks, with joy, to the Father,

(Father)making us sufficient to share the inheritance of the saints in the light.

Who (Father) has rescued us from the control (authority) of darkness, and turned us toward the kingdom of His beloved Son.

(Son)